Jose Mourinho threatened to field a weakened side against Liverpool at Anfield and today’s starting team was definitely not Chelsea’s best XI, but there was no doubt that the Portuguese manager was picking a team to win.

The Blues tore up the script once again, executing their game-plan perfectly, and delivered a significant blow to Brendan Rodgers’ title hopes as the Premier League is back in Manchester City’s hands once again with Chelsea hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups.

Mourinho’s particular brand of football does not win him many fans, nor does his controversial actions but it’s certainly effective and he plays the part of the pantomime villain better than anyone else. His side didn’t give Liverpool a sniff of an open chance today and played a blinder.

Most of the post-match analysis will surround how ‘negative’ the approach was and over supposed ‘time-wasting’ actions but the fact that Petr Cech, Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o, Ramires and John Terry were unavailable. A number of other players were also rested for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Demba Ba has been an unlikely hero already this season and it was he who pounced on Steven Gerrard’s slip to go through on goal and open the scoring before the end of the first half. Fernando Torres and Willian combined at the death to deal the home side a second sucker punch and you could see what the win meant for Mourinho.

At the very least the win will be a real confidence boost ahead of the visit of La Liga leaders Atletico to Stamford Bridge in the week and the fact that they have also had to play on Sunday because of Valencia’s Europa League participation hasn’t allowed them any extra rest.

Mourinho’s men are always up for the big occasion, it’s just a shame they have thrown away so many silly points this season.